The North Queensland Cowboys and Sydney Roosters will play out a pivotal clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Thursday night. 

The Cowboys boosted their finals chances with an 18-10 victory over rivals Brisbane on Saturday and now face a favourable run home, with four of their remaining opponents sitting in the bottom half of the ladder. 

Meanwhile, the Roosters claimed a fifth consecutive win, edging the Knights 23-22 on Friday night courtesy of a Daly Cherry-Evans field goal. That victory lifted them into second place ahead of the Warriors. 

Reed Mahoney is out with a concussion for the Cowboys, meaning Soni Luke starts at hooker. Griffin Neame will miss through suspension, so John Bateman returns to the interchange. 

Tommy Talau and Hugo Savala come into the Roosters' backline for Daniel Tupou and Billy Smith. These sides have already met once this season, with North Queensland winning 18-12 in somewhat of an upset. Can they defy the odds again this time around?

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of the opening game of the round, check out our Cowboys vs Roosters tips and predictions below!

Cowboys vs Roosters Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

NRL Round 22 gets underway with the Cowboys looking to solidify their place in the eight, when they welcome the high-flying Roosters to town. 

Both of these teams recorded very close and very vital wins last start, with the Cows defeating fellow Queenslanders the Broncos by eight points and the Chooks sneaking past the Knights by a solitary point thanks to a DCE field goal.

North Queensland’s victory over Brisbane saw them sail into the eight and that’s where they’ll look to stay following full-time of this one.

That’s easier said than done however, with the Roosters now up to second in the standings following their single digit shootdown of the Knights.

Former Origin captains James Tedesco and Daly Cherry-Evans combined for the Tricolours to see them home, with Teddy crossing for a hat-trick, before DCE iced proceedings with a game-deciding field goal three minutes from time. 

With the Warriors faltering, the Roosters appear to be the ones who are going to push Penrith all the way for the minor premiership, and we see them continuing that push here in a close one.

Betting tip: Sydney Roosters. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

From a late, late field goal to a nice and early try? Why not! Daly Cherry-Evans has scored a try in each of his two previous appearances with his team as a favourite at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Betting tip: Daly Cherry-Evans. 

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of Sydney's last nine matches as a favourite have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (45.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

North Queensland has covered the line in seven of its last eight home matches when playing with a rest disadvantage.

Betting tip: Cowboys (+5.5) line. 

Cowboys vs Roosters Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Murray Taulagi

Murray Taulagi has scored at least one try in each of his last four home appearances against opponents that were ranked higher on the ladder.

Hugo Savala

Hugo Savala has scored a try in four of Sydney's last five matches as a favourite against teams from Queensland.

Braidon Burns

Braidon Burns has scored at least one try in each of North Queensland's last three matches against Sydney.

Robert Toia

Robert Toia has scored a try in three of his last four appearances.

Cowboys vs Roosters Teams 

North Queensland Cowboys Team List 

1. Scott Drinkwater

2. Braidon Burns

3. Zac Laybutt

4. Tom Chester

5. Murray Tualagi

6. Jake Clifford

7. Jaxon Purdue

8. Tom Mikaele

9. Soni Luke

10. Jason Taumalolo

11. Heilum Luki

12. Jeremiah Nanai

13. Rueben Cotter (c)

14. Ethan King

15. John Bateman

16. Matthew Lodge

17. Coen Hess

18. Sam McIntyre

Sydney Roosters Team List 

1. James Tedesco (c)

2. Tommy Talau

3. Hugo Savala

4. Robert Toia

5. Mark Nawaqanitawase

6. Daly Cherry-Evans

7. Sam Walker

8. Naufahu Whyte 

9. Reece Robson

10. Spencer Leniu

11. Nat Butcher

12. Siua Wong

13. Victor Radley

14. Connor Watson 

15. Salesi Foketi

16. Egan Butcher

17. Taylor Losalu

18. Cody Ramsay

Cowboys vs Roosters Match Details 

Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026. 

Kick-off: 7:50pm AEST. 

Location: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville.